Hokie, Hokie, Hokie wow

Where to begin on this horrific day after tragedy on the Virginia Tech campus?

It's just makes no sense in a place that is just serene. Blacksburg is a true college town and I have many friends that have gone there. Just a day when as a parent, you kiss your kids, and are thankful they are ok. Yet, if you have kids in college or going next year ... You are shaken today thinking that this could be your child's campus.

I was speaking with a colleague yesterday and this incident shows how the digital world now dominates the news. CNN was running a students video from his personal camera. I haven't check yet - but there will be YouTube video for sure today. Google will have searches galore about Va. Tech and blogs will be loaded with info about it. Take 10 minutes today and check it out.

Wathed Geraldo on Fox News - he is just a buffoon these days. So sick of his act and Fox talks about no spin .... If that's the case someone tell Geraldo, please.

Just sent this to my colleagues and posted to the GCI Blog (only internal for now):

As one that used to work in a newsroom, the old saying that, “Bad news is good news for us” makes me a bit ill, but it’s true.

Problem these days in the 5-second news cycle is that newsrooms aren’t the only places to get information these days. If you go to YouTube and search Virginia Tech Shootings there are a few videos already up and more to follow.

Technorati says that there are over 15,000 blog posts from the incident and there are 444 tags out there on it including videos and photos.

If you have turned on your TV for five seconds in the last day, you couldn’t have missed it … never mind the fact that every famous news person from around the globe made it to tiny Blacksburg ASAP.

Make time to surf the web for 15 minutes and check out what’s going on … Facebook and MySpace I am sure are going to be lit up with this topic over the next few weeks as well.

And when you get home, I know it’s rare to take a second to be thankful for what we have, but stop and think about it. I was numb to all of it in my newsroom days, but these days I say often, “But for the grace of God go I.”

Here’s wishing for no more days like yesterday and that a wonderful college town gets back to where it was.

Thanks
Jon

Another good Friday

OK the Thrashers lost and I am upset about it, but we went to the doctor today and Barkan number three will be here in mid-October. Very exciting news ... E feels well and all looked good at the doctor.

Thrashers game two is Saturday at 3 and I am taking my dad - not sure who he is rooting for. The question is will Marian Hossa and Ilya Kovalchuk score a goal before I get a boy! I'd say the odds are usually favoring the Thrashers, but ya never know after last night.

Don Imus gets fired - which is not a great loss for most of us - BUT let it be said it wasn't for his comments as much as those comments took money out of his employers pockets. He's been saying this garbage for years - not because Rev. Al and Jesse complain, he's out. Rev. Al - don't make ANY mistakes on your air.

Have a great weekend all - hope it warms up for those of you in the snowbelt...

Imus or no Imus?

So - we have all had a few days to digest what Don Imus did. There's no question he was wrong in what he did, but my question is why now?

Why have people woken up and listened to what he has said THIS TIME and now want him fired over it? Has he not gone this far before? When I grew up he was the legend on New York talk radio on WNBC-AM. But he was crazy then and he is crazy now. He pushed the boundaries on a daily basis and this time I think he went over the line, no doubt.

My problem is the firestorm is being started by Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton - two men who have made mistakes and have been given second chances. Why can't they give Imus the same courtesy? Heck, I can't believe Imus went on Sharpton's radio show ... talk about the blind leading the blind. Both men are nuts.

I feel bad for the women's basketball team because they didn't ask for this spotlight. They had a great year and were celebrating it when this happened. The great thing for them is the C. Vivian Stringer will make this a life lesson for these women and they will be that much stronger for it.

As for Imus, he's lost some sponsors quickly because of the firestorm. He's got two weeks off starting on Monday and he's meeting with the Rutgers women this week. Not sure if he's a goner or not, but it's probably about 50-50 right now in my mind, but that can swing if the sponsors pull the plug.

Maybe after all these years, it's time for Imus to ride off to his New Mexico ranch. He's made enough money and he's said his peace time and time again. And if he wants, I am sure his "close friend" Howard Stern can get him a gig on Sirius.

Met a gentleman by the name of Dan Greenfield today at a PRSA seminar about Social Media. He's a VP of Corporate Communications at Earthlink. When I read his blog for the first time this afternoon, he talks about Imus on his blog as well. Check it out at Bernaise Source.

There's a new sheriff in town ...

... and his name is Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the NFL.

Pacman Jones is out for the entire 2007 season - suspended by the NFL. While I may have hated him for changing the direction of the 2006 New York Giants season, he's a very good football player. It's just that he isn't that good at life and using his brain. Then again, neither are most of the Cincinnati Bengals.

How hard is it for these guys to stay out of trouble? I have heard all the arguments for and against the way athletes were raised, my question is at what point do you have to grow up and take responsibility for yourself? These guys are making big dollars and getting paid to play a game. How many people would give their left arm to do what they guys are doing for one day???

What has been driving me nuts lately is Michael Vick came out and said that his water bottle was to hide his jewelery and that he doesn't understand the big ruckus. What he and the other rocket scientists haven't learned that Andre Agassi said years ago, "Image is everything." Yeah and when you image stinks, doing stupid things aren't going to help you.

Someone once told me if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, its gotta be a duck, right?
Hey Michael, if you act like a punk and talk like a punk and walk like a punk, don't you have to be a punk? Why is that so tough for kids making millions of dollars to grasp and deal with this theory?

BTW - not to put him on a pedestal, but have you EVER heard of Tiger Woods doing anything dumb outside the ropes? MMMM.... NO - because he gets it, period. Now, I will say this, it cannot be easy being Tiger or Michael Vick for that matter because it's hard to go out to dinner like a normal person. But hey, once again, I will submit that people would kill for the opportunities these guys get for one day.

Anyway, back to my Pacman, Goodell stepped up to the plate on his first big at-bat as NFL commissioner and hit a home run. Just promise me one thing Commish - stay the course and stay strong....!!!

Passover is done - we did pizza and ice cream with the kids tonight ... funny as heck to see a 22-month old go at an ice cream cone. I think more ended up on her than in her mouth!

Mr. April strikes again

Many of you know how much I cannot stand George Steinbrenner. I think he's one of the people that has ruined pro sports. With the kind of payroll the Yankees have every year, shouldn't they win the title?

Well, there's one thing I have always agreed with The Boss about and that was a comment he made about Dave Winfield. In 1981, Steinbrenner made headlines by signing Winfield to a 10-year, $23 million contract, making him the game's highest-paid player. Winfield was one of the best players in the game throughout the life of the contract, but soon had a falling out with Steinbrenner.

He helped the Yankees to the 1981 American League pennant, but then had a poor World Series, and the Yankees lost in six games to the Los Angeles Dodgers. A bitter Steinbrenner derided Winfield by saying "I got rid of Mr. October (Reggie Jackson) and got Mr. May." The Mr. May comment lived with him for the rest of his career.

What a great line - my question is, can we call Alex Rodriguez Mr. April? He's following Winfield's past of having great regular seasons and folding like a card table in the playoffs.

Hey Yankee fans - enjoy his five homers while you can. We all know who will shop up when the real money is on the line and the answer is Derek Jeter.

Two days until the Thrashers first playoff game ever. I am rooting for them even though they are playing my childhood team in the Rangers. I know my pals in NY don't understand... but they will get over it, I hope!

If I had to pick my Stanley Cup Finals - I will take Buffalo and Anaheim. It's hard to pick against a team that will have either Chris Pronger or Scott Niedermayer on the ice for almost 50 minutes a game.

My hallergy to the fans....

For those who missed the Islanders shootout win for the last playoff spot Sunday, what were you watching? Some dumb golf tournament from Disgusta, GA - c'mon man, what fun would that be?

Actually, best to watch on a big screen and split screen it like I did Sunday in the basement.

But there's a huge issue for a lot of folks (including me) in Atlanta. The Thrashers made the playoffs for the first time ever and they start on Thursday night versus the New York Rangers.

C'mon - seriously. Couldn't the Thrashers win a few rounds before facing my childhood team? I know that I am not the only transplant in town that feels the way I do. I lived long enough and was at the Rangers Stanley Cup victory in 1994. It would be cool to see one in the South as well.

From the karma standpoint - Rick Comley and Michigan State won the NCAA hockey title Saturday night over BC. Could Thrashers General Manager Don Waddell played for Comley at Northern Michigan - maybe there's some mojo Rick can pass on to Don and the boys in Atlanta.

That being said - it's going to be a fun time in Hotlanta, but I would kill to go see Ottawa vs. Pittsburgh. What a great series that should be.

Very excited about the Soprano's and Entourage back on ... will comment on it Monday....

Happy Easter!

It's good vs. evil for the college hockey crown

Good Friday to ya ... to some in East Lansing and Chestnut Hill, it's a Great Friday.

Michigan State and Boston College won their semifinal match-ups and are going to battle it out on Saturday night for the Division I championship. FYI - if you haven't read about it, go to Inside College Hockey. It is by far the best college hockey site on the web - bar none.

As most of you knew, I spent some time in both cities. I have deep ties to the folks in East Lansing. One of the best times in my life was spent working for the Lansing State Journal. Every time I go back to visit, I get to see old friends and it's just a wonderful trip down memory lane.

The people and friends I made there are some of the best people I have been lucky to spend time with and MSU Athletic Director Ron Mason has been a great friend. He and his family always have been kind to me. Then there's assistant coach Tom Newton. We have a special bond that I can't go deep into, but he and his family were very kind to me. Funny part is that coach Rick Comley used to coach my old boss, Don Waddell. Maybe there's a link between the Spartans and Thrashers winning in the same year? Stay tuned.

I will always cherish my time "On the Banks of the Red Cedar..." It was an incredible place to live with incredible people. I am a true Spartan fan forever because of my time there.

Before I lived in EL, I lived in Boston. As a kid from the other side of the tracks (Northeastern) I have never liked BC. They have always acted superior and obnoxious. Now, I have liked some people from BC - but every time I hear the fight song ... I get sicker and sicker. Bad nightmares from losses of the past.

So with that being said I am hoping that the Spartans can kick the you-know-what out of the Eagles. For those in the South, they are the Florida of the Northeast. The fans are about the same type of attitude and when they win - totally insufferable.

SO - GO GREEN! GO WHITE!

And you thought Jersey was bad??

From the TSN.ca website.... classic!

Islanders' Ice Girls claim abuse by Rangers

Two New York Islanders Ice Girls were hoping to penalize members of the New York Rangers for slashing, spitting and verbal abuse during television timeouts in the first period of Tuesday's game at Nassau Coliseum.

The NHL says it has reviewed the incident and, as far as the league is concerned, the case is closed.

"We were made aware of the situation right after the game in question," NHL executive vice president Colin Campbell told TSN. "We investigated it, talked with the officials and both teams and we determined there were no grounds to pursue it any further. It's a closed matter as far as we are concerned. We don't have to respond to what's in today's newspapers because we've already responded to it."

A report in newsday.com reveals that the girls were cleaning loose ice in the blue-painted goaltender's crease when Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist refused to move and used his stick to hit the squeegee used to push the snow during the first TV timeout, knocking the butt end into her stomach.

"The tip of my squeegee kind of hit the tip of his stick," Kelli Higgins told Newsday. "I don't know if he thought I did that on purpose or whatever, but he took a big windup and slashed the squeegee pretty good. It startled me a little bit. It didn't feel great, but I wouldn't say I was injured or in a ton of pain. I was shocked."

During the second TV timeout, Higgins alternated jobs with another Ice Girl, Chanel Benson, who claimed she was spit on as she was leaving the ice.

"All of a sudden, my back got wet," Benson told Newsday. "I believe one of the Rangers players who was sitting along the wall spit on my back. It had to be on purpose because I wasn't directly in front of anyone to spit and not realize I was there."

During a third TV timeout, both referees and one linesman made Lundqvist move to allow Higgins to shovel the snow out. Higgins said both Lundqvist and Rangers forward Sean Avery were using curse words "that had to do with us going around with the squeegee."

Lundqvist told reporters on Wednesday before learning of the allegations that he prefers to remain in the crease to maintain concentration during breaks.
With files from Newsday.

Classic bites...

Found some classics in my email folders - check 'em out...


http://www.veoh.com/videoDetails.html?v=e107067WHhNhRh4

http://houserockbuilt.hipcast.com/download/6234cccd-66ab-f3bd-7407-6915acb69e9d.mp3

We're passin-over the game...

Whoever put the title game tonight need to check the Jewish calendar. Passover begins at sundown and while I won't be at the game, I guarantee you that many will be there in attendance.

Obviously it's up to the individual to make the decision on what to do, but as much as I would like to go, it would set a horrible example to my children. Plus, my wife would kill me. So, dinner with the family at my in-laws house and hopefully we will be done in time to watch.

Florida vs. Ohio State - if the refs let them play (unlike both games on Saturday) this could be a good match up. Florida killed OSU earlier this year in Gainesville. That being said, this isn't the same Buckeye team. They are no doubt better - but it won't matter except in keeping the game close. The Gators came back for this reason and they won't be denied. Probably be a double digit win....

Now the question I have is - who had the better Nike uniforms - http://systemofdress.com/ - check out the site and let me know. GCI is working with Nike and we put together this site for them.

Baseball season is back ... can't believe it. Can this be the Cubbies year? Finally? Please??? Well it started off on the right foot - the Tribune Company is being sold. Could this be a sign from above?

On the ironic part of my life ... is it me, or is it funny that the Rangers beating the Leafs last night in NYC clinched a playoff spot for the Thrashers. Their first ever...

Have a great week - let's be safe out there....

Breaking news in Georgia....

Uga VI to retire after 2007 season

This is BIG down here!

Check out this video of Kermit the Frog!

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/32067

Thursday thoughts...

Hey kids - sorry been slammed at work and be out every night this week.... so, been a bit out of it.

The pollen count is in the 5,000s in Atlanta and every car is yellow. It's just been brutal this week - everyone is getting hit by the pollen bug and it's no fun at all. Waiting for it to rain to wash the first shot of pollen away, might happen Saturday but I am not going to hold my breath.

Good story in the AJC today about car washes making money off of the pollen count being so high.

Final Four in town this weekend and this place is going to be a zoo. Traffic alerts are already at high and people are being told to stay away from the area by the Georgia Dome unless you have tickets. I am taking my father to the game on Saturday - it'll be fun. To be honest, if he didn't want to go - I would rather stay home and watch. We are in a sky box and it's a corner angle of the basket. Tough to judge depth and angles of shots. Unless you are in the first 10 rows down low, it's not a great place to watch a basketball game. But the NCAA doesn't care about that - it's all about how many butts can we put in seats and how much crap can we sell at the game. If it were at Phillips Arena, now that's a totally different story.

I like a rematch of the football title game in OSU-Florida. They played in hoops in Gainesville and the Gators killed the Buckeyes. But Greg Oden isn't the same player and OSU is a better team. Technically its a neutral floor - but the Gators will own the crowd and win back-to-back titles. Just hope Billy Donovan is smart enough to stay away from the Bluegrass State.

And for a new feature on the Barkan Dawg - it's called the Moron of the Month. This is the equivalent of the Mike and Mike Just Shut Up Award, just taking it to a proper level for this space.

The winner of the first Moron of the Month award is Michael Ray Richardson. The former NBA player was suspended for the rest of the CBA championship series for anti-Semitic remarks.

Check this out from the story on ESPN.com:

"I've got big-time lawyers," Richardson said, according to the Times Union. "I've got big-time Jew lawyers." When told by the reporters that the comment could be offensive to people because it plays to the stereotype that Jews are crafty and shrewd, he responded with, "Are you kidding me? They are. They've got the best security system in the world. Have you ever been to an airport in Tel Aviv? They're real crafty. Listen, they are hated all over the world, so they've got to be crafty."

And he continued, "They got a lot of power in this world, you know what I mean?" he said. "Which I think is great. I don't think there's nothing wrong with it. If you look in most professional sports, they're run by Jewish people. If you look at a lot of most successful corporations and stuff, more businesses, they're run by Jewish. It's not a knock, but they are some crafty people."

Go read the story - other great lines from him...

So congrats Michael Ray ... you win the first MOM award!!! Who will be next? Only time will tell - but have faith folks, there are a lot of morons out there.....

Monday, Monday ...

Happy Monday - back from Pittsburgh and boy are my arms tired....

Actually, good to see the family for 24 hours, but that's about my limit these days. My patience with my kids is great, but not so with my family.

Perfect example, I wake up on Saturday and go to meet my grandmother, mom and aunt for breakfast in the hotel - before I even warm the seat, my mom tells me that my shoes are dirty and my grandmother wants to know why no one answer her calls at my house or even calls her. Literally, I stood up and walked out to meet my dad to go get coffee elsewhere.

I know every one's family is nuts, but I will put my Seinfeld/Costanza group up against any of them out there. Mom's reading this and getting ready to kill me - but it's not like dad's group is any better. It is what it is and you are always better with what you know - I agree with that for sure, but I need it in small doses at this point of my life.

Anyway, trip was good - and now time for Final Four week in Hotlanta. It's going to be a mess here with those Gator people. The other teams travel well, but we have Gators everywhere in the area and that ugly orange is going to be all over the city. Let's just hope UCLA puts us out of our misery on Saturday, but I doubt it.

On the college hockey front, we have the Frozen Four set for St. Louis. Odds are the winner of the Boston College - North Dakota game will win it all. But watch out for those Spartys from Michigan State. They can lock it down with the best of them.

What else can I tell you ... was at a birthday party with Abbie at Chuck E Cheese Sunday. What a racket - kids birthday party's are making serious coin these days. Find the right business, you can make serious money.

Baseball season starts next week - wow, where has the time gone. Could this be the year of the Cubs? Tell ya what, when Northeastern wins the NCAA hockey tournament - it might happen.

Friday in Hotlanta

Happy weekend all. Hope y'all good.

Sitting on a Delta flight on my way to Pittsburgh for the night for my cousin's baby naming. Going by myself for the night. Always interesting to be around my family. Sure I will have a story or two next week.

Can't believe Texas A&M and Tennessee both blew games they should have won. Just great opportunities that don't come every day - tough way to go out as seniors.

The happy, happy, joy, joy of the day goes to Tubby Smith. Not that I am happy to see him in the Big 10, but I am ecstatic he told Kentucky goodbye! The guy is a winner, he is class and he deserved to be treated better than those people in the Bluegrass State treated him. Many schools would kill to win like Kentucky did under Tubby. Gophers AD Joel Maturi deserves big time praise in getting Tubby to the Twin Cities.

I guarantee you - Tubby will win in Minny and he will make Kentucky sorry that they treated him like they did. I only hope that the big coaches tell Kentucky no. Maybe there will be justice down the road for the Wildcats - you can always call up the road and see if Rick wants to come back?

Have a great weekend!

I'm going mobile ....

Hey gang - sorry I have been swamped at work this week. Just been fun times in Hotlanta.

That being said, I have found a new way to stay in touch with y'all on this blog. I am not able to shoot a post from my phone to the blog and have it post. It's just awesome technology that is going to make my ranting and raving from airports fun, fun, fun.

Anyway - hope all is well in your world. I lost Texas in my Final Four - but my other three are going strong.

The Atlanta Thrashers are heading down the backstretch and unless they don't show up to play the games, they should make the playoffs.

But the thing I still can't believe is that my old pal Jeff Jackson in South Bend, Indiana has turned Notre Dame into a legitimate title contender in two years. It's just wild. Imagine if he had a building and facilities? Scary what that man can do on a college campus. He's one of the best people, never mind, coaches I know.

That's it. More later - from my phone!

Four for the road....

Well kids - the Final Four is in Atlanta. NOT the Frozen Four ... the Final Four. Someday I hope to live long enough to host the Frozen Four here. Be one heck of a party!

Anyway - let's look ahead to April in Atlanta. Who is going to be here?

Well, I have the answers. It's very simple. Instead of Hotlanta - it will be Biglanta with one small exception.

The best three teams I have seen all year play in the same conference: the Big 12. I am taking Texas, Texas A&M and Kansas to get to the big party. The one outsider will be an insider in Atlanta. I may not like em, but I ain't dumb enough to pick against the depth of the Florida Gators. They should roll through the first two weeks of the tournament.

Once they get here, they will have issues with the Kansas Jayhawks and lose a tight semifinal. In the other game, it will be a backyard brawl between two great rivals. Kevin Durant is looking like Danny Manning in his senior year when he carried his team to the finals. Durant will match the effort and set up a fourth meeting of the year between Texas and Kansas.

Now mind you, the real reason I think Texas will be there is because Monday night is Passover and we cannot go to the games. My brother-in-law, the Texas alumni, is going to get himself killed for this one. My cousin, who can care less about the holiday, will go to the game for sure as will many other members of the tribe. But for the fact alone of family controversy - they will be here.

The last two times they have played, the games have gone to overtime. This game may not be any different. I like a tight, hard fought game with the outcome going Rock, Chalk, Go Jayhawk.

And if that happens, I will be winning the cash in the WIE pool for sure! Then I will be banned for life.....

No place in the game for it! BOTH of them!

For those of you who have not seen SportsCenter either last night or this morning, you have missed two stories that are making me very ill.

One is obvious to all that know me. N.Y. Islanders forward Chris Simon took his stick to the head of N.Y. Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg late in the third period of last night's 2-1 Rangers win. See the video of the hit from ESPN.com.

I want to make sure this is clear: there is NO PLACE in the game of hockey for taking your hockey stick to someone head. The act shows a total disrespect for the game and its players. Speaking of disrespect, this is just sixth headline on the ESPN.com site ... who was in charge of that site last night?

I don't care what Simon has to say, I don't want to hear it. All I want to hear is Colin Campbell suspending Simon for the rest of the year and playoffs. If they want to suspend him for more games next year, I am all for it.

The sport is in enough trouble between having game on a network NO ONE can find in Versus to having Commissioner Gary Bettman try and tell the Pittsburgh Penguins that it's OK to take less money to stay in a city. Hey Gary, tell ya what, write a check for the difference between the deals of Pittsburgh and Kansas City. You do that - then you can tell Mario Lemieux how to run his business. Right now, you are struggling running yours ... maybe you should try and fix that first.

Bottom line - send a message that the NHL won't put up with this! The irony was that yesterday was the three year anniversary of Todd Bertuzzi's hit on Steve Moore. There's a great story on Steve Moore trying to get back into the NHL that ran yesterday, as well as a good story from Damien Cox.

Other stories to see: John Dellapina from the NY Daily News , Larry Brooks from the NY Post, Wallace Matthews from Newsday, and Greg Logan from Newsday.

The other story is one that bothers me even more. According to ESPN.com, Pokey Chatman resigned as the women's basketball coach at LSU after the university became aware of an alleged inappropriate sexual relationship between Chatman and a former player on Chatman's team.

I know many of you don't follow women's basketball like I do, but I was totally shocked when I heard this. When the story first broke on Wednesday that Chatman would leave after the season, it didn't make any sense at all. I kept thinking why would you leave when things are going so well? Something had to be up. And unfortunately, it supposedly is.

Here's a 37-year-old woman who is running one of the most successful programs in the country. The Lady Tigers are ranked 10th and are 26-7. Chatman was 90-14 as LSU's head coach and was 15-5 as acting head coach during the end of the 2003-04 season, when longtime coach Sue Gunter left the team because of lung disease. LSU won SEC regular-season titles in her first two seasons as a head coach and made it to the Final Four both years. Chatman, a Louisiana native, has been at LSU as both a player and coach for nearly 18 years.

Read that paragraph again. This school has been her LIFE for 18 years. It's just sad that such a great coach would let herself get into such a horrible position.

Just sad.

Hate to end on a down note, so I wanted to throw in something I saw at last night's Thrashers game versus Montreal.

Midway through the 2nd period, Atlanta led 6-0 and were totally dominating the game. Once of the Montreal players tried to push and shove Ilya Kovalchuk around when out of nowhere came new Thrasher Keith Tkachuk to pummel the Canadiens player. He dropped the gloves and a building that was a little more than half filled exploded to cheer. Not only that the Thrashers bench rose as one to watch this. Read the AJC's Craig Custance story.

After all this time, last night, I felt as if Atlanta finally had a TOTAL TEAM. With that I am changing my opinion, not only will this team make the playoffs, they will win the Eastern Conference.

GAME ON!

Sorry.... not me

I know many of you are out there asking the question ... did Barkan win the Mega Millions? The winning tickets were sold in New Jersey and Georgia. Surely, he had to have one of the two tickets?

To quote Jerry Seinfeld, "Newman!"

Nope not me ... some guy in Dalton, which is about 90 minutes Northwest of Atlanta. I hate him/her already!

All's well here - been travelling and staying busy. What's new in your world's?

No one calls or writes anymore.... tell me tell me, whatcha doin' out there in TV land?

OK - that's it for now ... busy busy in GA when you don't win the money.

SHOW ME THE MONKEY!!!!

An absolute classic - anyone remember these from TBS???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7eEQQVnhc4

CYA - and we're not saying good bye just yet....

Many people want to know my opinion on what my former employers did this weekend.

My dear Atlanta Thrashers have been in a horrific free-fall for the last 30 days and it hasn't been pretty. They are hanging on by a thread to a playoff spot, but are still only a few points away from winning the division title.

So with that in mind Don Waddell went out and picked up Alexi Zhitnik and Keith Tkachuk for the stretch run. In return Waddell have up three picks (fourth one doesn't matter because they won't resign Tkachuk) and Glen Metropolit for Tkachuk. To be honest, that deal is fine with me... never know with draft picks and Atlanta hasn't been the greatest in drafting at this point in time. It was the Cover Your Ass weekend - at least he made the trades and did everything he could to help this team win ... the coach would go first then him.

The trade that bothers me is the Zhitnik trade where we gave up on Braydon Coburn. Bob Hartley is a tough man to play for, just ask Peter Forsberg why he told Philadelphia he didn't want to go to Atlanta? But how can you tell me that Coburn was given a fair chance?? I'd rather have him learning on the ice than to put up with Andy Sutton and his 2-million dollar shenanigans. This kid is going to be an All-Star in the league and I know Waddell is only concerned with his job know and he should be. If he and his staff gotten the right players before the season started, they wouldn't be in this position. Last year, the team started poorly and ended strong. This year, they started well and are finishing weak.

Here we are seven years into the franchise history and Waddell's tenure, and this team makes some of the same mistakes that a Curt Fraser team made. Different players, different coaches and the same sad results so far. That is just horrific in my mind and if they don't make it, Waddell needs to be held accountable. Which is why I think there's one more trade to be made. After all these years of sitting on the sidelines, if he doesn't make a move now, the next one will be out of the Atlanta area.

As bad as that is, wouldn't it help if we had an ownership group that wasn't a complete disaster? Maybe we are better with Steve Belkin? Not like the Hawks are any better under the "Spirit."

At the end of the day, the chemistry of this team was wrong before the trades and I don't see it being any better now. So, I only hope and prey that the Thrashers can sneak into the playoffs and find its mojo.

But if I were Charles Barkley, I wouldn't bet on it.

Happy Friday!

Here's a gross game for you to play - sounds make it better!

http://www.lilgames.com/acne_zit_popper_game.shtml

Also - Jeffrey Chodorow – from Rocco’s fame … has started his own blog after running an ad in the NY Times to talk about how he felt he was treated poorly by the NYT critics…

It’s an interesting way for a restaurateur to deal with this…

http://www.chinagrillmgt.com/pdf/Response_NYTimes.pdf

http://www.chinagrillmgt.com/blog/index.cfm?s=1

The train is on the tracks....

And the million dollar question is whether or not the Atlanta Thrashers will get off the tracks before getting hit by the train.

They started the season with their best start ever. But they just came off a 2-4 roadtrip and are now going to start playing a lot of games within the division. They are now in 6th place and they are tied with Tampa for the division lead. But they are also four points away from missing the playoffs.

ESPN.com's Scott Burnside wrote a great piece about my former boss and his murky situation if this team comes up short.

Unfortunately, I have seen the script before except it's backwards. Usually this team starts poorly and comes on strong at the end only to fall short. Well, this year they need to hang on and what's scaring me is that they are a better team that still plays many nights as if Mike Stapleton, Damian Rhodes and Ed Ward were still playing on the team.

As much as I like Andy Sutton as a person, watching him play is painful. He's making a nice living and looks like a deer in headlights many nights. Kari Lehtonen is no question going to be one of the best netminders in the game, but is getting beat on a lot of shots that don't even go in because of posts.

I don't have a good feeling on the ending, and I swear I hope I am wrong. The East is weak and the Thrashers should have enough talent to sneak in. But don't expect Don Waddell to pull off a big deal - with the ownership disaster of the Atlanta Spirit and his track record, Eric Belanger is as big as they come.

That being said, they are still a heck of a lot better than the Atlanta Hawks. They are fighting for title of worst franchise in sports.

From the funniest thing I have seen in a long time, the Atlanta Falcons are having a Leadership Training Camp. Is it me or is it an oxymoron for those guys to teach leadership to others when they can't even lead their franchise quarterback to stop smoking and carrying pot through airports? Just wondering if it's me???

Guys, tell Hallmark to kiss your ..

Many, many years ago, when I was a writer at the Lansing State Journal I wrote a point/counterpoint piece ripping Valentine's Day. I was the curmudgeon just ripping Hallmark for telling me I had to be nice to my girl on this specific day.

My problem then, and still, is that if you need a card company to tell you this once a year, then your relationship is screwed. You should be doing things for your significant other on a regular basis.

Perfect example - why buy flowers today? They are twice as much today as any other day. So if you do it on the other days when they don't expect and you aren't in the doghouse, the gesture means a heck of a lot more.

Anyway, bah humbug Hallmark! Just move on to St. Patrick's day and get over it.

OK - Anna Nicole still dead and still headlines on Fox and CNN websites. UGH! What's the over under until it's all over? Three months? A year?

Wanna send a Valentine's Day email - check this out from my mom http://www.careerbuilder.com/monk-e-mail/default.aspx?sc_cmp2=JS_MONK-E-MAIL

Classic. Happy VD to all!

The new era begins

For those of you buried in the snow, I am soooo sorry. NOT!

Ya know you can move South where it rarely snows and people are friendly. But if you do that, then I may have to move again to get away from all those Damn Yankees!

OK - so last night I was about to have dinner with the family when I sat in the home office to go through some things. Right before standing up to go eat, I checked ESPN.com and saw one of the greatest things these eyes have ever seen.

"Luke Petitgout cut by the New York Giants."

All I could do was smile. I was in total shock. Jerry Reese has done more in one day than Ernie Accorsi did in years for Giants fans. Now all he needs to do is fire Tom Coughlin and we are set!

I stood up and walked in the kitchen with a huge smile on my face. Wife looks at me and asks why the smile? I tell her the happy news and she looks at me and laughs. She is happy because she doesn't have to listen to me complain about 77 anymore taking false start or holding penalties.

Ralph Vacchiano talks about the Giant Purge in the NY Daily News.

Anna Nicole Smith is still dead - can't this story just go away! I don't care about her sleeping with some politician in the Bahamas or anywhere else for that matter. BTW - anyone think that kid of hers is going to need therapy?

For those of you hockey fans, BU beat BC in overtime of the Beanpot last night. In true Huskies fashion I was rooting for the roof to fall in ... KIDDING! Northeastern beat Harvard in the consolation game. I will go on record by saying I will see Northeastern win at least one more Beanpot in my lifetime.

Anyone watch 24? I was about to give up on it before the season started, but man have they got me back in with a passion! It's a must see even though you know that Keifer Sutherland gets in tough situations all the time and still can't die because he's the star. Great twists this season so far and I know there are more to come.

Going to the Circus this weekend with Abbie and some of her friends. Should be a blast ... I will give details on Monday.

Now this is a TRUE DIEHARD fan!!!

Check out one of the craziest things I have heard about in a long time ....

http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2007/02/07/news/local_news/1021004.txt

Validation wasn't needed, but it doesn't suck....

While watching last night through the pouring rain, I could only laugh thinking about Peyton Manning walking out for the game and looking up at the sky and saying, "got any locusts to add to the flood?"

One of the greatest passers in NFL history when it's all said and done, period. Many folks questioned Peyton and whether he really was that good. After last night does anyone have any more questions? He is on track at this point of his career to break all the records, he's won two MVP's and now a Super Bowl and a Super Bowl MVP. Mark Chappell from the Indianapolis Star puts the conversation to bed.

Now, he wasn't the best player(s) on the field last night, but he was the most valuable. He is a great leader and a team player. Listen to him after the game and tell me he wasn't humble and thankful? Peter King of SI.com sums up Manning very well in his Monday Morning Quarterback.

What about Marvin Harrison? What about Tony Dungy? Tell me you'd rather have guys like TO who is all about me?

Last night wasn't about validation of one man, it was the validation of the team. Tony Dungy was validated as one of the great coaches of the last twenty years. Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star talks about Dungy's victory being a milestone for Dungy more than anyone else.

And the one person that NO ONE has talked about being validated is general manager Bill Polian. The same Bill Polian who built the Buffalo Bills teams that couldn't get over the hump. He finally gets his due in building his second great organization and finally getting his ring.

The two best moves he made? Bringing in Adam Vinitieri. Most points ever in a playoff run this year and the best clutch kicker EVER. If he is NOT a first ballot Hall of Famer, then I don't know a kicker that is. The other move was letting Edgerrin James leave via free agency and bringing in Joseph Addai via the draft. How do you think Edgerrin felt last night watching the running game dominate the Super Bowl? Who would have thunk it possible? ESPN.com's John Clayton talks about the rookie and how he made a difference right away.

FYI - the last four teams to lose the coin toss have won the Super Bowl.

You can rip Rex Grossman all you want, but where was his defense last night? How many times did they have a chance to get the Colts off the field and failed to do so. The Bears had a great season and nothing should be taken away, but this team needed Trent Dilfer last night and got Tony Eason. Jay Marriotti of the Chicago Sun-Times talks about how the "Bad" Rex showed up and it's not what the Bears needed.

How would you have felt if you paid $2,000 and up for a ticket and sat in the rain all night? Heck Prince even sang Purple Rain last night... theme night in Miami.

In nine Super Bowl's in Miami, it's the first time it has even rained. What are the odds of that? Seems like it rains there every day for 30 minutes.

BTW - the Hall of Fame voting in the NFL is a joke. If Art Monk isn't a Hall of Famer, then I don't know why they have this place in Canton. On top of which, this secret society crap about not telling anyone what was said in the room is cowardly. If you had any guts voters, you would tell the public why people do or don't get in. This is one part of the NFL that needs to change, sooner rather than later!

The one thing I take away from last night, other than Atlanta should be able to get the Super Bowl again (it won't rain in the Georgia Dome!), is that I was happy to see a Manning win a Super Bowl. The New York Daily News even caught up with Archie Manning who thinks watching last night was good for Eli. Watching, that's what Eli is going to do until he gets a new coach!!!

PICK OF THE LITTER ...

Here it is, Friday before the big game and everyone is making their picks.

Why should I be different? I have an opinion, I think? Maybe I should ask my family what I think, they might know better.

Nah. I know this one. It's easy to pick this game.

For the last few years, the Colts have been the favorite and they have blown it. Well this time they won't. It's their time and Peyton has been average at best so far throughout this playoff run. His time comes on Sunday in the Florida sunset. Tony Dungy has spent many years in the NFL as a head coach and has never won the big one. He's endured professional and family issues over the years to finally get his due.

The one curveball for me is that the game is on grass, not turf. Hurts the Colts speed, but they will pull out a 34-30 win. So if you are going to bet the game, take the points and the Bears. I know it's not easy to bet on Rex Grossman coming through, but he's got a solid running game and defense. I just think that destiny on the side of the guys who wear the horseshoe on the helmet.

I know the folks in Baltimore are rooting hard for the Bears and I appreciate and understand it. Seeing an Irsay lift a Lombardi Trophy makes many ill, but it's not about them this weekend.

All I hope is that the game lives up to the hype and that we get some good commercials.

Enjoy the weekend and the game.

FIRST BIG RACE OF 08 TAKING SHAPE

It's not funny yet, but you know it's going to be fun to watch.

Al Franken is about to jump into the fun of the Minnesota 08 Senate Race versus incumbent Norm Coleman.

While I am a fan of Norm, I know many people aren't. Some even read my blog once in a while and some live in Minnesota.

It's going to be a race to watch in 08 as the Democrats will be going after Norm hard. A lot of money will be going towards this race and because of Al's name will be on national television often.

Still a distant second to the presidential race - but there are going to a bunch of races to watch.

If you don't know who Terry McAuliffe is, here's a quick wikipedia on him. He's been a major part of the Clinton machine for a long time and now he's jumping in with the Hillary machine for 08. You will see him on television for the next two years on a daily basis. He's one of the best fundraisers on the Democratic side, but when he ran the Democratic Party, he just didn't have the magic touch. Now that he is back with a Clinton, will be fun to see him work it.

Here's the laugh of the day - Frank Caliendo is a great impressionist and funny as can be -
http://www.frankcaliendo.com/index.php?page=video

Comparisons and talk

Over the next week, you will hear a comment from everyone in the world on the Super Bowl.

It's the biggest game in the world and everyone knows what they are talking about. Just ask anyone on the street and they will tell you. Odds are they will talk of Peyton or Rex and odds are they think they know what they speak of. But they are spouting off ... the question is which player is going to do or say the dumbest thing this week.

There's always one guy willing to do something dumb on the biggest game of their lives. Twice before when the game was in Miami major incidents have occurred. Stanley Wilson of the Bengals and Eugene Robinson became famous for off the field incidents and both teams lost the game.

So keep an eye for which team has the incident and bet on the other.

As far as comparisons - we keep hearing about Tiger and Roger Federer. Two great champions, but one great problem. This is not a conversation worth having, YET.

Tiger has dominated all over the world. If there's a golf course, he has conquered it. He is the best everywhere, every day, every way, period.

Federer has NEVER won the French Open. He's as dominant a tennis player as we have seen, but to be considered the best of the best, don't you have to win on all surfaces to be considered the best?? Pete Sampras never won the French, but is considered ONE of the best, which right now Federer is. But until he can win on the red clay of Roland Garros, the conversation isn't fair.

Tiger is the best we have ever seen. Conversation over.

The NHL All-Star game was seen on Versus last week in less than a half a million homes. American Idol killed it in the ratings. Why would the NHL put the game on a Wednesday night when there was NO FOOTBALL at all this past weekend??

Commissioner Gary Bettman needs to call ESPN and beg to be back where the NHL belongs with Barry Melrose. How many times can the NHL screw things up and survive?

Till daddy takes the T-Bird away...

Sorry I have been a bit remiss in blogging the last few days. The whole house has had the stomach flu and it's been rough. We're on the mend and back to a relatively normal household, for us anyway.

For those not old enough to remember, here's a classic of the 85 Bears doing the Super Bowl Shuffle. I know that my boy Berman in Chi-town thinks that this is his year ... and it might, but right now, it's fair to say that Rex Grossman is the second worst quarterback EVER to play in the big game. Only Miami's David Woodley was a bigger farce. In my mind, even Vince Ferragamo (not of the shoes, but of the Rams) was better than Rex. What a sad, sad statement.

And I know he's going to yell at me and tell me that the Giants lost to them and that they are still playing. Best I can say is, "good for you and your team Francis!!" But I still hope that Peyton kicks their ass.

Here's my hot topic of the day - and please let me know if you feel the same way - I think it's great that two great coaches happen to be facing off in the Super Bowl. I think it's great that they are the first black coaches to coach in a Super Bowl. BUT I think it's sad that NO ONE is talking about that it's 2007 and we are talking about this as a huge barrier breaker for black coaches. It's a farce.

There are 119 Division I-A jobs and there are only six black coaches. SIX? What the heck is that? Is that equality? Tell me there aren't more qualified black men to coach before you bring the retreads back again.

Don't get me wrong - I am very happy for Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy. There aren't two better men to represent the cause than them. I am just disappointed that we are in 2007 and we are a long way from when Dr. Martin Luther King "Had A Dream" and these two class acts have to answer this question of being a black coach. Just sad.

Mark Whicker of the Orange County Register wrote a great piece on this subject.

Anyone notice in the State of the Union how Bush and Cheney drank water at the exact same time? Very strange.

Is it time for pitchers and catchers yet?

Back in the saddle

Good to be back in Atlanta. Great trip to Austin, once I got there. Going to be a lot of great things coming from the Digital Media group of GCI. So keep your eyes and ears here to see the latest from Paul Walker and the gang.

Quick shots from the weekend.

Good for Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith - but is it me is anyone else scared that we still speak of this as a milestone moment in 2007? Sad that it took this long.

Anyone else see Peyton Manning with his head down as Tom Brady was about to lead the Patriots to a winning drive? Glad to see him win, but this time, it wouldn't have been his fault.

Reggie Bush pointing to the Bears as he ran by all of them on the way to the end zone was just "Bush" league. Rookie mistake that pissed the Bears defense off. Not saying it was what woke them up, but it didn't help. Nonetheless, a great season for the Saints.

FYI - Abbie forgave me for missing Dad's day at school and her teacher is letting me come by this Friday! Happy happy joy joy!

Hell freezes over? No, but Dallas/Austin sure has...

Howdy ho all. I am blogging from the Admirals Club at beautiful Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. I am trying to make it to Austin for meetings with our Digital Media team from GCI Group. I have made it further than the rest of the team at this point. People are stuck in New York and Chicago from this snow/ice storm hitting the area.

My flight on American was cancelled at 7:55 to Dallas - but Delta had an 8 am that I was able to get on. Sorta funny - one flight can get out and the other can't? Anyway - flying in was fine - Dallas looks very serene and pretty in snow. Problem is they don't have the proper equipment (like Atlanta) to deal with it. So the airport is jammed with people being stranded. The Admirals Club is 3/4 full and no one is going postal yet.

Have a 2:50 p.m. American flight to Austin, which has been dealing with ice storms for the last day. You'll like this one, they ran out of the de-icing fluid at Bergstrom Airport in Austin. Who would think they would need a ton of it, but don't you think every airport in this day and age should have a supply of it to last at least 72 hours? This way you are covered for a storm blowing through town without shutting your doors? Then again, I never knew that it snowed in Texas. Wonder if this is part of global warming wackiness or El Nino? Either way - it's not like it's the first time I have been stuck. Just the first time in Dallas. On the positive side, I can always stay with my friends in Fort Worth, the Diamonds. Already called and booked a room just in case.

The part that is killing me about all of this is that we have moved our meetings back to Thursday and Friday. Usually, wouldn't be an issue. I brought enough clothes because I knew better - PLUS I didn't check a bag. Getting wiser in my old age. What is killing me is that Abbie has a dad's day at her school on Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. She was sooooooo excited about showing me everything in her room and seeing her friends. We talked about it in detail last night before going to bed. I tucked her in and gave her a kiss and she said, "I'll see you Friday. I can't wait to take you to school with me." Uggghhhh!!! Can a dad feel worse than disappointing his little girl?

Such is life, I guess. But as a kid whose dad travelled a ton and still made it back to most if not all of my games and special things, it just drives me insane.

OK - enough lament. What else can I tell you?

I can tell you that I am rooting for a Indianapolis-New Orleans Super Bowl. Wouldn't it be interesting to see Peyton finally make the big game to play his childhood and hometown team? I never like to bet against Bill Belichik - but man, if this isn't the Colts year, it never will be. Peyton will get the monkey off of his back with his best game of the playoffs and best game ever versus New England.

I think I am still in pain from watching the hit Reggie Bush took on the second play of the game.

I don't care how anyone spins it, Marty Schottenheimer is to blame for the San Diego loss. The Chargers blew two time outs in the second half that they could have used on that last drive. Plus the mistakes and fumbles come from not being prepared, period. Didn't Earnest Byner fumble on the goal line against Denver? Marty's teams just aren't playoff successes. If the Chargers want to go to the next level, it's time to find their next coach.

How bad are things with the Oakland Raiders? So bad that the team with the first pick in this year's draft can't even get Denny Green to interview for the job. Man that tells me everything I need to know. Randy Moss and Al Davis - no one wants to work with either.

Everyone keeps talking about the Democrats first 100 days. Have they done anything yet? Will they do anything at all during that time except to let us know about it?

Watched the first two nights of 24. Just when I was ready to give up on the show, they find a way to get me hooked again. If you haven't started watching - go get the first seasons and catch up. Keifer Sutherland is the man and Jack Bauer is like a bad penny - always showing up!

Muhammad Ali turns 65 today. Great story from Phil Taylor of SI.com. Ali is still the greatest.

FYI - from the past post - the only team I would put on the ice with the Canadiens of 78-79 are the Edmonton Oilers of 84-85.

The best hockey team EVER!

ESPN.com's George Johnson talks about what is without a doubt the greatest team EVER put on the ice.

You can tell me and George we are wrong, but I will argue there's only ONE team in the mix in my mind... can you guess who it is?

Taking a sabbatical

OK - I have had time to breathe and recover from yesterday. Only problem is that I haven't recovered. I am still angry.

And while some Detroit Lions fans have reminded me that my life is still better than theirs, I am sorry but I'd rather have Matt Millen than THAT coach.... I no longer can say his name outloud without getting sick.

This is just like a marriage. Right now, we are going through some trust issues and I don't trust the Giants to be there for me. I am very angry and will not discuss it with them until they take care of firing THAT coach.

Now the Giants may have an excuse of, "There are no better coaches out there," but this is a total farce. If they wanted Bill Cowher, go get him. Don't give me this crap about we have the right guy. THAT coach isn't right and he isn't a good coach. You have to read Paul Schwartz of the NY Post - sums it up perfectly.

So - for the time being I am a Jet. From your first cigarette to your last dying day, when your a jet you're a jet...

Not that I still don't LOVE my team - but we are going through therapy right now to work out our issues. Period.

If you don't understand, I am sorry you don't understand my passion for the Giants. This was one that pushed me over the edge.

My picture of me in my Mangold jersey will be online as soon as I get it. I will be sending it to the Mara/Tisch families with a note explaining my position.

Knowing them, they will throw it away like they did my committment to them.

Last straw

I am 38 years young and for my whole life I have been Giants blue. It's something you are born into and it's passed on from generation to generation. Up in New York, you are either a Giants or Jets fan. There is no one that is a fan of both, just not real.

Today, I am going to do something that I NEVER EVER thought I would do. I am renouncing my Giants loyalty. Why today? Very simply put - Tom Coughlin was given an extension on his contract.

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"He has a vision and he understands how that vision can now move forward," co-owner Jonathan Tisch said during a conference call to announce Coughlin's one-year contract extension. "He did not have to save his job. He did not have to talk us into anything."

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Tisch and Mr. Mara - you father's are rolling over in their graves thanks to your stupidity! What the hell have you watched for the last three months, because obviously it's not the same thing everyone else in the world saw.

The owners didn't ask Coughlin to make any changes and they said they were satisfied he was the right man to lead the Giants.


Coughlin has no control over this team. He has no clue in how to develop a young quarterback. And he has no idea how to win a big game. He is a clown! I think it's great to go 2-6 in your last eight games and then lose a playoff game and get an extension??? This is an embarrassment!

"Tom Coughlin is our coach for 2007 and hopefully for many years after that," Mara said. "That is the final decision."

Final decision??? Fine. I have a final decision as well. The Giants ownership has made me do something I never thought I would do. I am now green and now a fan of the New York Jets! I would become a Falcons fan - but it doesn't have the same impact.

I have ordered a Nick Mangold jersey and I am going to take a picture of myself in it and send it to the Giants ownership with a note letting them know how they have lost a lifelong fan. Might even get one for Abbie. Have to teach her now about Broadway Joe Willie, Joe Klecko and the Sack Exchange.

I am just sick right now. I can't even begin to express my outrage with these morons! Any thoughts on how to make myself clear to the Giants management are welcomed.

They are coming to town next year again - maybe we can have a ticket burning here in town!

Chewed up and spit out

Pretty much how the Buckeyes felt after Florida stomped them. All credit to the Gators and all the blame to Jim Tressel. Have no idea what the game plan was for OSU, but if it's broke, have to fix it.

Just like the BCS - anyone think about the fact that if Urban Meyer didn't whine and moan his way into a title shot, we would have never known how good Florida is. So something still needs to be done with that.

I will give Florida fans their due - still don't like the Gators, but they deserved the win something awful. If you are a Gator and talk to me, you better do one thing and one thing only - give Ron Zook credit. If you do that, we can have a nice talk and I will respect you. He is the one that built this team and Urban should buy him a car, dinners, vacations - whatever he wants. He set the table for the success Urban has. The title helps recruiting and Zook helped there too.

So for you folks in Chicago, maybe there's hope at Illinois. Who can follow Zook there?

Schlichter gives it one more try...

Phenomenal piece from USA Today's Jon Saraceno on for Ohio State quarterback Art Schlichter.

He could have been one of the great ones - but was taking over by the demons of gambling. He has started his own non-profit called Gambling Prevention Awareness.

Schlichter provides the general public with an understanding of the signs and dangers of compulsive gambling.

Is it me or is it ironic the initials of his organization is GPA?

The waiting is the hardest part....

Some of the best teachers we will ever have in life are our music teachers. No, I am not speaking of Harry T. Welte of Fort Lee High School (although I really liked him). I am speaking of the guys on our IPods. The artists we grew up and still listen to.

For instance, Professor Thomas Petty said it best for how most Giants fans feel after the playoff loss to the Eagles, "the waiting is that hardest part."

The waiting he speaks of, in this case, is the firing of Tom Coughlin. I know many of you are shocked to hear that I don't think he's a good coach. It's not like I ever mention it in my blogs.

I sat and watched the game yesterday torn. I am a true Giants fan and live and die with them. Been that way a long time and it's a "Hard Habit to Break" (Chicago - one of those numbered albums). But I wore my white Eli jersey and sat in the basement and watched.

First drive - Giants march right down the field and scored. The next three drives - the Giants started on the Philly 49, their own 48 and the Philly 46. The result of those drives? Two three and outs and a five and out. End of the first quarter - 7-0 GMen.

The game was over right then and there. I don't care about anything else that happened. Our defense was stellar and the offense had three great chances and didn't capitalize on any of them. Score three points on one of those drives and David Akers kick is to tie the game, not win it.

Tiki Barber had a great game and did everything he could to continue his career, but how torn could he have been? He was playing to save Coughlin's job and he knew it. He was a true professional and left it all on the field - despite their differences. Thanks Tiki - good night, good luck and Good Morning America.

Look at Jeremy Shockey. He couldn't walk and he was out there killing himself. He has ripped this staff early and often. But he has heart. Now if he can keep his mouth shut...

Eli Manning has been ripped for the last two months, but no one and I mean no one can say anything bad about him for this game. He stood in the pocket and played well enough to win this game. Imagine (John Lennon) if he had his injured left tackle healthy? Sorry Luke Petitgout, we missed you. But you still take too many dumb penalties.

Yesterday (The Beatles) was about the heart and soul of the players on this team. It had absolutely NOTHING to do with the coach and his staff.

How many more undisciplined penalties did they take again? It's the playoffs, don't you think we can stop the false starts by now?

There's one way to stop all the madness and John Mara knows it.

"I'll have something to say during the week, but not right now," Mara said as he exited the locker room after the Giants' 23-20 loss to the Eagles. "Do you think you can wait that long?"

We have waited long enough to hear the words. While we have waited, the Falcons got Bobby Petrino and others are looking for coaches as well.

As the Little River Band told us, it's time for a "Cool Change."

Classic video of a former top NHL pick

Most of you know that I used to work for the Atlanta Thrashers.

I was on the staff before we had any players. We spent a year searching for the best players for our inaugural draft in 1999.

We had the first pick and chose, from the Long Beach Ice Dogs of the International Hockey League, Patrik Stefan. Nice enough guy but was prone to concussions and just not a great player.

Well, this past summer, general manager Don Waddell traded Stefan to the Dallas Stars for Niko Kapanen. The funny part is that Les Jackson, who is now the assistant general manager with the Stars, was in the same role with us when we pick Stefan. So he should have known better.

He has only played in 28 games this season and has scored four goals and five assists. His best game, of course, was against the Thrashers when he scored and had two assists in Atlanta for a 5-3 Stars win.

Well last night in Edmonton, Stefan had another classic moment. Luckily for him, his team made up for it. You HAVE to watch this video to see it. Have a great weekend!

Playoff predictions

With the NFL starting its playoffs this weekend. Hard for me not to jump in and give you my picks for the weekend.

On Saturday, the Colts win because they will be the last team with the ball. The Seahawks win because it's a long way to go to win a playoff game, those fans in Seattle rock and Shawn Alexander is still not horrible.

On Sunday, the teacher shows the student he hasn't lost anything as the Patriots will beat the Jets. Game will be close for a while though.

The last game of the week is the one I am dreading. Giants - Eagles. I can live to be a thousand and still every time I hear those words, my first thought is Pisarchik and Herman Edwards. UGH! This time around, I think the Eagles load the box to stop Tiki Barber and make Eli Manning win the game. Can he do it? Sure. Will he do it? Odds aren't good. Everyone thinks he's overrated. Everyone is ripping him. Problem is that the defense hasn't been any better than he has. So between those two factions and wanting Tom Coughlin gone, the Giants will find a way to win this game. Final score - Giants 27 Eagles 23.

Gosh I hope I am wrong ... as much as I love my team. I don't want to think about where in Savannah I am going to watch the Bears-Giants game.

USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt is the one you need to read if you are a gambling soul.

Also - Monday night - Gators vs. Buckeyes. Finally, the main course. Only been one good appetizer in the Fiesta Bowl. I don't see this game being a good one either. Keep hearing that Florida is good and that they are fast. I have watched Florida play. They were lucky to beat Tennessee, Georgia, and Arkansas. Chris Leak is just average at best and to me is not a great leader. Troy Smith is a great leader with so many weapons to choose from and by the way, they are pretty fast as well.

The bottom line in my pick is that I am not going to bet against a guy who has won a National title as well as a few Division I-AA titles in Jim Tressel.

Ohio State 38, Florida 21.

When this happens, can all of these people in the SEC finally give another conference credit? Doubt it.

Loyalty isn't so easy for many

As the new members of Congress are sworn in Thursday, I can only look forward and hope that the Democrats have learned just a teenie weenie bit about what not to do from their friends on the other side of the aisle.

Odds of that happening are about the same as Nick Saban going to Alabama. Whoops - did I just say that?? Silly me.

What I don't understand is why people are that upset about what Saban did. He didn't do anything different than a politician who controls the fate of our government and our world. Ol' Nick is just a football coach.

WHAT? Just a football coach? And I guess your mom is just a mom....???

Ya know what kids, I am over the coaching garbage. Last time I checked, Saban wasn't leaving Michigan State either and that was three jobs ago. He wanted to go back to a college lifestyle. Some are better in college than the pros and Nick knew it. He also knew $32 million doesn't grow on trees. It is what it is. Leave it alone.

I will say this for Saban - he will go at a minimum of 8-4 next season. He will also land a top 15 recruiting class with five weeks to go this year. Give him four years and Tommy Tuberville will be sweating a little bit down the road when Saban wins a National title before him.

If you want to scream, how about screaming about how Mike Shula helped turn a program around while on probation. Just when they are about to come out of their sanctions, after he got a nice contract extension last year, he gets kicked to the curb.

Loyalty works both ways. And it doesn't work well in either direction these days.

Heck, the only place I have seen loyalty lately is with Nancy Pelosi, the new Speaker of the House (I get ill every time I type those words together!). She backed John Murtha for her second in command when she knew that Steny Hoyer would kick his ass. But she stayed with him and lost her first battle on the Hill. Her only mistake was that she lost a battle inside her own party. Good start Nancy! Think the people that backed Steny are huge fans of you now? But you did stay true to your friend and for that you should get a little bit of kudos.

So, when the new members get sworn in, remember their fresh, smiling faces. For life will change for them starting tomorrow. Hopefully, they can stay loyal to their beliefs and constituents. It's a lot easier said than done.

What's right and what's wrong with our world...

Good morning all - I had an idea of what I was going to blog about, but then I came into the office and totally changed my mind.

Why or what changed my mind? Two very simple things.

First, I heard that The Home Depot and Bob Nardelli came to a "mutual agreement" for him to step down. He will do so with a $210 million package.

Wow. Wouldn't it be great to work for a company for seven years and totally under perform and still get a nice hefty pay-out? It's $30 million for each year he worked. AND that has nothing to do with all the money the Home Depot paid him to work during that time.

Funny part is that people are talking about Home Depot stock going up this morning based on Nardelli leaving. To quote Yakov Smirnov, "What a country!"

Hey Iraqi people ... President Bush may be wrong in how he is handling it, but damn, doesn't this make you want this Democracy stuff?

On the other side of the coin is what is good in the world. Last night in Detroit, the Red Wings retired Steve Yzerman's 19 jersey. Only the sixth jersey to ever be raised to the rafters of Joe Louis Arena. (TRIVIA TIME - can you name the other five?)

The 41-year old Yzerman spent his whole career with the Red Wings - it spanned 22 seasons and three Stanley Cups. But it also spanned a lot more off of the ice. If you watched the ceremony, you saw the true man. He was humble. He was nervous as heck. He took a sip of water a few times and his hand was shaking each time. He was thankful. He was THE captain of the Red Wings and will always be known that way.

But he spoke of his family. Not only his wife and daughters, but his Red Wing family that helped raise him from youth to the man he is now. He may not look like it now, but he is still the scrawny kid that the Red Wings drafted out of the Peterborough Petes.

Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press talks about how the city said thank you. Eric Adelson of ESPN the Magazine tells a story of how he gave back to his community on more than one occasion.

He is as a good a person in sports as there is. I met Yzerman a long time ago when I was at the Lansing State Journal as a young writer, he was as decent to me as can be. I know I am a bit biased, but hockey players are by far, the best athletes to deal with. They are the most humble. They are the most approachable. And they never, ever forget where they come from.

Yzerman took a job with the Red Wings organization in the front office and will be there for life if the Ilitch family owns the team. It's not a $210 million buy out, but it ain't bad for a kid from Canada.

Maybe guys like Nardelli need to go to Peterborough or Flin Flon, Manitoba for a while? Won't help them get high stock prices, but it might just raise their stock in the bigger game called life.

As if that weren't enough - Nick Saban leaves the Dolphins to take over the job at Alabama. For the last two weeks he has said, "I'm not going to be the Alabama coach." Guess $35-40 million changed his mind. Or was it the decision of who was going to be his quarterback next year: Harrington or Culpepper.

Now, I will be the first to say he made the right choice. He is a very good college coach and a very average pro coach. But the way he handled this was horrible. Why couldn't he just keep his mouth shut and say, "No comment."

Either way, the SEC just got stronger again. Betcha Jimbo Fisher leaves LSU to follow along.